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Here is a little more background on pedagogical content knowledge. Notice that the framework creates a cycle, with the 6th step resulting in new comprehension. Pedagogical content knowledge is all about a teacher learning about he or she teaches, and improving that method for the sake of both teacher and student! It is about knowing WHAT to teach, WHY you are teaching it, and HOW you teach it.

From **http://tinyurl.com/b4yr9x** "In 1986, Shulman introduced the phrase //pedagogical content knowledge//. The definition embodies the merging of content and pedagogy (instruction techniques). To be successful, teachers need to develop a deep understanding of both the specific content that they are teaching and curriculum development (InTime, 2001). Shulman breaks down this process into 6 activities that should be used repeatedly for effective teaching.


 * 1) __Comprehension__: Teachers need to understand //what// they are teaching and, if possible, understand it in multiple ways. Teachers also need to understand //why// they are teaching what they are teaching and be able to understand the concept inside their curricular area and the importance of the concept outside the discipline.
 * 2) __Transformation__: Transform content knowledge into effective pedagogy. Know how to prepare instruction in multiple varieties to meet the needs of multiple learning styles.
 * 3) __Instruction__: How the teacher presents the material to students. Many aspects fall under this category in order to make it successful. Those aspects include classroom management, presentation of material, interaction with learners, group work, class discipline, humor, questioning, discovery and inquiry instruction.
 * 4) __Evaluation__: Evaluation of student’s progress is not separate from the instruction, it is an integral part. Teachers need to not only check for understanding, but also check for misunderstanding. Evaluations should be done throughout the whole unit, not just at the end.
 * 5) __Reflection__: Teachers need to critique themselves. Look at what when well and what didn’t and learn from it so they can change it the next time they teach it.
 * 6) __New comprehension__: Gaining a new and/or deeper meaning of subject after teaching it. Also gaining new insights of self and students."